P0204 on 2015-2017 Chrysler 200 2.4L: Injector Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2017 Chrysler 200

The 2.4L MultiAir engine (also known as Tigershark) family has a known history of injector circuit codes being triggered by non-hardware faults. Chrysler previously issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #18-014-14) for the preceding generation with this same engine to fix a false P0204 code via a PCM software update. Additionally, the wiring harness on many Chrysler products can be susceptible to heat damage, causing wires to become brittle or melt, which can trigger this code. This issue is not unique to the Chrysler 200 and is also seen on platform mates like the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee that share the 2.4L engine.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough, shaking, or vibrating idle
• Noticeable loss of power and poor acceleration
• Engine misfire, which may feel like a stumble or hesitation
• Engine may stall, especially at idle
• Decreased fuel economy
• Potential smell of raw gasoline from the exhaust

Most Likely Causes

1. Damaged Wiring or Loose Connector 🔴 High Probability The injector wiring harness is located in a hot area of the engine bay, and some Chrysler harnesses have been known to have wires melt and short together. More commonly, the connector itself can become loose or its red locking clip can fail, causing an intermittent connection.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the #4 fuel injector (the last one on the right/transmission side when viewed from the front). Check for brittle or melted insulation, corrosion in the connector pins, or a loose fit. Ensure the red locking clip is present and fully engaged. Perform a 'wiggle test' on the connector and harness with the engine idling to see if it causes a change in engine smoothness.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the injector pigtail connector. Ensure the connector is fully seated with its locking clip engaged. Sometimes the fix is as simple as pushing the connector on until it clicks.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30
2. Faulty Fuel Injector 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injector
   How to confirm: Using a multimeter, disconnect the injector and measure the electrical resistance between its two terminals. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specification (typically 12-16 ohms) or to a known-good injector on another cylinder. An infinite reading (open) or zero reading (short) indicates a failed injector. A more definitive test is to swap the #4 injector with another one (e.g., #2). Clear the codes and drive. If the code returns as P0202, the injector is confirmed to be the faulty part.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty fuel injector. It is often recommended to replace all four injectors as a set, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80 per aftermarket injector, $100+ for OEM.
3. PCM Software Glitch 🟡 Medium Probability Chrysler has a history of issuing software updates (reflashes) to fix erroneously set codes across this vehicle platform and its relatives. TSB #18-014-14 was issued for the previous generation 200 with the same 2.4L engine to correct a false P0204. Other TSBs like #18-033-15 and #18-022-17 REV. A for similar vehicles address other false codes, showing a pattern of software sensitivity.
   How to confirm: A Chrysler dealership or a qualified repair shop with a wiTECH scan tool can check if your vehicle's VIN has any open recalls or applicable TSBs, and determine if a PCM software update is available.
   Typical fix: Perform a PCM reflash (software update). This must be done by a dealer or a properly equipped independent shop.
   Est. part cost: $0-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is the least likely cause. The internal driver circuit for the #4 injector can fail within the PCM. This should only be considered after all other possibilities (wiring, injector, software) have been definitively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the PCM for trouble codes. Confirm P0204 is present and check for other codes like P0304.
2. Identify Cylinder 4: On the 2.4L MultiAir engine, the cylinders are numbered 1-2-3-4 from the serpentine belt side to the transmission side. Cylinder 4 is the one closest to the transmission.
3. Carefully inspect the electrical connector and wiring going to the #4 fuel injector. Look for any signs of melting, chafing, corrosion, or rodent damage. Pay close attention to the red locking tab on the connector to ensure it's not broken and is fully seated.
4. With the engine running, gently wiggle the connector and wiring for the #4 injector to see if it affects the engine's idle. If it does, a wiring or connection fault is extremely likely.
5. Use a 'noid light' to test the injector circuit. Unplug the injector, plug in the noid light, and start the engine. The light should flash steadily. If there is no flash, the problem is in the wiring or PCM. If the light stays on constantly, there is a short to ground in the circuit.
🎬 Watch: How to use a noid light for circuit testing.
6. If the noid light flashes correctly, test the fuel injector itself. Turn the vehicle off, disconnect the injector, and measure its internal resistance with a multimeter. A reading outside of the 12-16 ohm range indicates a bad injector.
7. For a definitive injector test, swap the #4 injector with an adjacent one (like #3). Clear the codes, drive the car, and re-scan. If the code changes to P0203, you have confirmed the injector is faulty. If P0204 returns, the problem is in the wiring or PCM.
8. If the injector and wiring test good, contact a dealership to check for any available PCM software updates (reflashes) related to this code before considering PCM replacement.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Injector (OEM #04593986AB (replaces 04593986AA)) — The internal coil of the fuel injector can fail, creating an open or short circuit that triggers the P0204 code.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Continental, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $100-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80
• Fuel Injector Connector (Pigtail) — The plastic connector or its wiring can become damaged from engine heat and vibration, leading to a poor or open connection. The locking clip is a common failure point.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman
  OEM price range: $25-$45
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$25
• Fuel Rail Assembly (OEM #4627120AD) — For this vehicle, Mopar often sells the fuel rail as a complete assembly with all four injectors included. This can be a cost-effective option if multiple injectors are suspected to be failing or if you prefer to replace them as a set. 🎬 See this step-by-step guide for replacing the fuel injectors.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $500-$600

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0304 — P0304 means 'Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected'. Since P0204 indicates a fault in the fuel supply circuit for cylinder 4, the cylinder cannot fire properly, leading to a misfire.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB #18-014-14: While officially for the 2012-2014 Chrysler 200 2.4L, this bulletin addresses a false P0204 code fixed by a PCM software update, indicating a known software sensitivity for this engine family. This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software to resolve the Fuel Injector 4 Circuit/Open code.
• TSB Bulletin #1810216: This manufacturer bulletin notes that a P0204 code may be accompanied by other electrical codes like P113E, P0108, or P0606. Additionally, the bulletin states the customer may notice transmission symptoms such as a 1-2 or 4-5 upshift clunk or bump.
• Pattern of Software Updates: Multiple other TSBs for this platform (e.g., 18-033-15, 18-022-17 REV. A) address various false electrical codes via PCM reflash, suggesting that checking for software updates is a critical diagnostic step for any electrical fault code on this vehicle.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Injector Coil Resistance — expected: 12 - 16 Ohms. Failure: A reading of infinite ohms (Open Loop / OL) or near-zero ohms (short circuit) indicates a failed injector.
• Injector Control Circuit Voltage at PCM — expected: Pulsing 0-12V signal when cranking or running (best viewed on an oscilloscope).. Failure: No pulse (open wire or dead PCM driver) or constant voltage (short to power) or constant ground (short to ground).
• Continuity Test on Injector Control Wire — expected: Less than 1 Ohm of resistance between the injector connector and the corresponding PCM pin.. Failure: High resistance or an 'OL' reading indicates a break in the wire.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode $06, Test ID $0D: This is not a trouble code but a diagnostic function. It provides access to raw, non-continuous monitor test data, including misfire counts for each cylinder. Test ID $0D corresponds to cylinder 4 on many Chrysler vehicles. (see via Requires a professional-grade scan tool or an advanced consumer OBD-II app with Mode $06 capabilities. It can be used to confirm if cylinder 4 is experiencing intermittent misfires even if a P0304 has not yet been set.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Chrysler Dealer Tool) or equivalent professional scanner: Injector Kill / Actuator Test — This function allows the technician to command the #4 injector off while the engine is running. If the engine's idle does not change when the #4 injector is deactivated, it confirms that cylinder was not contributing, pointing to a fault in that circuit. If the idle worsens, the injector was likely working.
• wiTECH (Chrysler Dealer Tool) or equivalent professional scanner: View Misfire Counters — Allows for real-time viewing of misfire events on each cylinder. This is more user-friendly than raw Mode $06 data and is the definitive way to confirm that the misfire is isolated to cylinder 4, corresponding with the P0204 code.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• PCM Connector C2, Pin 11 — On the main Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which is typically located in the engine bay. This is the control circuit pin for the #4 injector.. This is the specific pin where a technician can test for the control signal directly from the PCM. The wire color is Brown/Tan (BR/TN). Testing here can definitively isolate the fault to the PCM itself or the wiring harness.
• G300 — Under the driver's seat.. This is a major body ground point. While not directly for the injector circuit, a poor connection here can cause a host of strange, intermittent electrical issues throughout the vehicle, as other modules rely on it for a clean ground reference.
• G105 / G321 — G105 is on the right side of the engine compartment; G321 is on the left side of the engine compartment.. These are primary engine compartment grounds. The PCM and its related sensors and actuators rely on clean engine and chassis grounds. Corrosion or looseness at these points can create voltage drops and signal noise that could potentially be misinterpreted by the PCM.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'World Mechanics' (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep with 2.4L MultiAir engine) — Check Engine Light with a P020x code, rough running engine.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial assumption was a failed fuel injector.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The wiring connector for the affected fuel injector was not fully seated. The plastic locking clip was loose, causing an intermittent open circuit. Firmly pushing the connector on until it clicked and then securing the lock resolved the code.
• YouTube user experience (2013 Chrysler 200 (similar platform with known grounding issues)) — Intermittent no-start, no-crank condition.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Concerned about replacing expensive electrical components like the ECU or ignition actuator.
  ✅ What actually fixed it An additional 4-gauge ground wire was added from a bolt on the transmission mount directly to the chassis. This supplemental ground path resolved the electrical instability causing the no-start condition, highlighting the platform's sensitivity to ground integrity.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 04593986AA → 04593986AB — Part revision or change in manufacturer. The letters at the end of a Mopar part number (AA, AB, AC, etc.) typically signify the revision level. AB is a newer version than AA.
  Heads up: None. The newer part number is a direct replacement for the older one.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used fuel injector connector (pigtail) from a junkyard is a smart choice if the wiring is still flexible and not brittle, and the locking clip is intact. This is often much cheaper than a new pigtail. A complete used fuel rail with all four injectors can also be a good value if from a low-mileage donor vehicle.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a pigtail: Bend the wires near the connector; if the insulation cracks, do not buy it. Ensure the red locking tab is present and clicks firmly.
• For injectors: Check the donor vehicle's mileage. Ask to test the resistance with a multimeter before purchase; ensure it's within the 12-16 ohm range and consistent across all injectors from that donor.
• Inspect the injector's plastic body for cracks and the O-rings for drying or tearing (though O-rings should always be replaced anyway).

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - While remanufactured units are available, they must be from a reputable source that can program it to your vehicle's VIN before shipping. A used PCM from a junkyard is not plug-and-play and will require dealer-level programming.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Standard Motor Products (SMP)
• Bosch
• Continental / VDO

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name injectors from online marketplaces are a significant gamble and often have inconsistent flow rates or premature failure.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0304 — Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. This is a direct and common companion code to P0204. An injector circuit malfunction on cylinder 4 prevents proper fueling, which causes the engine to misfire on that cylinder.
• P0201 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1. This indicates the same type of fault as P0204, but for a different cylinder. It is related because the wiring harness design and potential for PCM software glitches are common across all four injector circuits.
• P0202 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 2. This code will appear if a faulty #4 injector is swapped to cylinder #2 as a diagnostic step. If the code 'follows' the injector, it confirms the injector is the failed part.
• P0203 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 3. Like P0201, this points to the same failure modes (wiring, injector, PCM) as P0204, just on a different cylinder. It's common to see any P020x code on this engine platform.
• P0300 — Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected. This can occur with P0204 if the underlying cause, such as a damaged wiring harness where wires have melted together, is affecting more than one injector circuit intermittently.

Frequently Asked Questions